Spaghetti Arancini: A Delectable Twist on a Classic Italian Favorite
Category: First Course
Serves: 20
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 12 hours (overnight)
Total Time: 13 hours
If you’re in the mood for a dish that beautifully combines the comfort of pasta with the irresistible crunch of a crispy fritter, Spaghetti Arancini is your perfect match. A culinary masterpiece that takes leftover spaghetti and transforms it into delightful, bite-sized balls filled with a rich and savory meat ragù, creamy cheese, and a perfectly golden crust. The preparation might take a little time, but the results are undoubtedly worth it. This dish is a wonderful way to reinvent pasta, making it ideal for special occasions, parties, or when you want to indulge in something extraordinary.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 500g |
| Butter | 35g |
| Egg Yolks | 3 |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 250g |
| Saffron | 1 packet |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Additional Butter | 25g |
| Ground Beef (or preferred meat) | 200g |
| White Onion | ½, finely chopped |
| Frozen Peas | 100g |
| Tomato Paste | 40g |
| Red Wine | 100ml |
| Breadcrumbs | 500g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 150g |
| Water | 360g |
| Pinch of Salt | 1 pinch |
| Vegetable Oil (for frying) | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Ragù
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Start with the Ragù: In a non-stick pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to prevent the butter from burning. Once melted, toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it softens and becomes translucent.
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Add the Meat: Stir in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Once the meat has browned, pour in the red wine and allow it to cook off, letting the alcohol evaporate.
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Tomato Paste & Peas: Mix the tomato paste with a bit of water to loosen it, then add it to the pan along with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well, and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 20 minutes.
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Add Frozen Peas: Once the sauce has thickened and the meat is nearly cooked, stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once done, remove the ragù from the heat and let it cool completely. To speed up the cooling process, transfer the ragù to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Base
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Boil the Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, dissolve the saffron in a little bit of hot pasta water. Once the pasta is cooked (ideally slightly underdone), drain it and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Flavor the Pasta: Stir the saffron mixture into the pasta to give it a beautiful golden color and aromatic flavor. Let the spaghetti cool completely. Once cooled, combine the pasta with butter, grated Grana Padano, egg yolks, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly.
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Chop the Spaghetti: Using kitchen scissors, chop the pasta into smaller, more manageable pieces. This step ensures that the pasta will hold together better when forming the arancini.
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Refrigerate: Spread the pasta in a large tray, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (overnight). This resting time helps the pasta absorb all the flavors and solidify, making it easier to form the arancini later.
Step 3: Assemble the Arancini
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Shape the Arancini: After the pasta has rested, take it out of the fridge and prepare to form the arancini. Cut the scamorza cheese into small cubes. Take a handful of the pasta mixture and shape it into a small ball. Create a hollow in the center with your fingers and fill it with a spoonful of the cooled ragù. Press the pasta around the filling to seal it and form a perfect ball. Repeat this process with the remaining pasta and ragù.
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Chill the Arancini: Once all the arancini are formed, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Fry the Arancini
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Prepare the Batter: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
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Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test the oil’s readiness, dip the end of a wooden spoon into the oil. If bubbles form around the spoon, the oil is hot enough.
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Coat the Arancini: One by one, dip the arancini in the prepared batter, ensuring they are completely coated, then roll them in the breadcrumbs. This double coating ensures a crisp and golden crust.
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Fry the Arancini: Carefully place the arancini in the hot oil and fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Use a slotted spoon to remove the arancini and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the arancini are crispy and golden, serve them immediately while they’re still warm and the cheese inside is delightfully gooey. These crispy, savory bites are perfect as an appetizer, a main course, or a fun party dish. Pair them with a refreshing salad and a glass of your favorite wine for an unforgettable meal.
Tips for Success
- Rest the Pasta: Don’t skip the resting period. The refrigeration process helps the pasta become firmer, making it easier to shape and fry the arancini.
- Temperature of the Oil: Always ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too hot, the arancini will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Flavor Variations: You can easily customize the filling of these arancini by swapping the ragù for other meats like pork or chicken, or even a vegetarian filling such as sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Spaghetti Arancini offer a delightful culinary twist that takes comfort food to a whole new level. With a crispy golden exterior, melty cheese, and flavorful meat ragù inside, they are sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Enjoy!
